In the General Elections held on 25th July 2018 in Pakistan, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf of Imran Khan won one hundred and sixteen seats in parliament. Having the majority at his beck and call, Imran Khan assumes the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Besides being a cricketer, Imran Khan also involved himself in social works. One of his major achievements in this field is the setting up of a hospital for cancer victims in Lahore. Free medical treatment is given to the poor and the needy.
In 1996 he founded the Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf party. The party had failed to emerge as a strong party at the outset because Imran Khan himself had asserted that his voters are still young let them grow. Hence forth, after twenty two years of gigantic stride in politics his party came with a heavy majority in the recent General Elections. It is crystal clear that the younger generation wants a new leader, with a new way of doing politics.
Pakistan has always been in the turmoil, disturbed by military coup, civil and tribal war, and political instability. Ali Bhutto was jailed and hanged, his daughter Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on 27 December 2007 during a pre electoral campaign. General Zia ul Haq was killed in an air crash. Political stability will definitely be a key to success for Pakistan.
Imran Khan, the new Prime Minister stated that he will establish friendly relationship with the neighboring countries. In this context negotiation with India is paramount in order to keep peace in South East Asia. India and Pakistan have already fought three wars, in 1948, 1965 and in 1971. Armed to teeth, both countries possess nuclear bomb as well. The Kashmir issue must be dealt with dialogues in a peaceful way. Good relationship between these two countries has a positive repercussion on minorities [Muslims / Hindus] living in both countries.
The denial to lead a luxury life in a castle like house built to accommodate the Prime Minister is a sign of his humbleness and simplicity. Turning these buildings into educational institutes is a laudable decision and Mr Khan deserves double applause for such magnanimous action. Harnessed with such positive qualities it is obvious that this man will exert to wage war against corruption and malpractices which have dragged the society in a pitch of vices.
Pakistan can recover from its many injuries if the rulers at the top will have the willpower to do so. A nation built on the corpses of innocent millions of civilians needs to make its social foundation solid. The minorities and Muslims of different aqueedas must be called upon very sporadically in order to ventilate their grievances .The opening of a corridor between the government and different representatives of the society can be set up in order to do away with social unrest. Pakistan actually needs social, political, religious and tribal stability.
Imran Khan also emphasizes that due consideration will be given to address the plight of women in Pakistan. The contribution of women folk in that society is primordial. The case of Malalah should not be repeated but let them grow into scientists, artists, teachers and politicians.
Will Imran Khan succeed in his mission? Is there a hope at the end of the spectrum for the Pakistanis? Anyhow, it is too early to predict things. Time will say more about it.
Cassam Tupsy
